Articles

Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Driving any vehicle safely is a must. Driving a commercial vehicle safely, however, is without a doubt of the utmost importance. Any driver in the United States who operates a vehicle that weighs over 26,0001 pounds, transports hazardous materials or transports more than 16 passengers is required by law to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some of the vehicles that fall into this category are buses, tow trucks and tractor trailers (otherwise known as semis). Because of the size and nature of these vehicles, defensive driving is a must. They can be dangerous if not operated correctly. Before a person is permitted to drive one of these vehicles a person is required to have driver training to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are numerous schools throughout the nation that provide Commercial Driver Education. Some of these schools then will hire graduates of their programs as company drivers once they have obtained their commercial driver’s license CDL. These courses emphasize commercial driving safety, analyzing risks, reducing risks and reducing liability as thus reducing cost.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety Act was signed into effect on October 27, 1986. The primary intent of the Act was to improve commercial driver safety, ensuring that all drivers passed driver training and driving safety courses. It also helped to protect the safety of everyone on the highways by removing those drivers who did not comply with commercial driver safety thereby increasing risks. The law requires that every state have the same requirements for Commercial Driver Education. A person holding a CDL license is required to have thorough medical examinations and to have the medical information on record with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Before applying for a CDL license, drivers should read and understand the commercial driver training information and be well aware of Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety at all times.

Many people choose to be company drivers while others prefer to be owner-operators. Regardless which one a person chooses to be after taking commercial driver training, safety should continue to be their main priority. Defensive driving, reducing risk and reducing liability in turn helps in reducing cost.